Safety Efforts Decrease Construction Fatalities

In August 2011, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA) analyzed federal workplace injury and fatality data and reported that fatalities in the construction industry have been decreasing for the past five years. AGCA officials credit the decline to the efforts that those who work in construction have made to improve worksite safety so there are fewer construction accidents.

Construction Fatality Data

The AGCA analysis revealed that construction industry fatalities have decreased by 10 percent from 2009 to 2010, and by 40 percent over the past five years. In 2006, 1,239 construction workers died on the job. In 2009, the number of fatalities fell to 834 and declined further in 2010 to 751.

The AGCA noted that the decrease in construction fatalities was greater than the drop in new construction spending. Spending on construction fell by 31 percent in the past five years, but construction fatalities declined by 40 percent.

Construction Industry Safety Efforts

The AGCA attributed the decline in construction fatalities to safety efforts within the industry. Construction companies include safety planning in pre-construction planning. Construction workers also undergo intense safety training, both on job sites and at construction companies.

The AGCA offers day-long safety and training drills for construction companies. Additionally, the AGCA prepares educational material and programs for construction companies. One of its successful programs dealt with teaching construction workers techniques to reduce construction site falls. AGCA officials believe that their program was a significant factor in why the number of fatalities from falls decreased by 42 percent from 2007 to 2010.

Construction work is difficult and can be very dangerous. Unfortunately, accidents causing injuries and fatalities are not uncommon in construction work, even with the current drop in construction fatalities. If you have been injured in a construction worksite accident, contact an experienced attorney who can help you recover for your injuries.

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